Before you sprinkle it on their food, can dogs eat parmesan cheese? It’s non-toxic but could upset their stomachs, so keep reading to learn more.
Many dog owners worry about giving their dog cheese – and for good reason. The sodium content in parmesan cheese makes it something that isn’t a good idea to give in large quantities. In this guide, we will look at what parmesan cheese is, whether it has health benefits, and what to watch out for.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating parmesan cheese.
What Is Parmesan Cheese
It has a distinct aroma and flavor. Parmesan cheese is made from cow’s milk and aged for about 12 months. It’s a type of hard cheese that hails from Italy.
Here in America, a lot of us love to sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of pasta and salad. It’s known as a type of cheese with a lot of nutritional benefits. Some people add grated Parmesan cheese to pasta, others nibble on hard parmesan cheese after it is added to charcuterie boards.
Difference Between Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
They are basically the same kind of cheese. They are both aged cheese made from cow’s milk and taste similar.
Parmigiano Reggiano must uphold strict requirements in order to be stamped with Italy’s official label of Denominazione d’ Origine Protetta, which translates to Protected Designation of Origin.
First and foremost, the cheese must be produced within the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna, and more specifically, in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for at least 1 year and up to 3 years. Parmesan may be aged as little as 10 months.

Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese
Yes, this is a safe, low-lactose cheese that most dogs can eat without any health issues. A small amount of cheese probably won’t affect your dog.
The first time you give your dog cheese, it’s a good idea to watch them for any signs of an upset stomach. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gassiness, bloating, and diarrhea.
Until you know how your dog will react to a new food, only give your fur baby a little bit.
Is Parmesan Cheese Bad For Dogs
Even though it is a safe treat in small quantities, parmesan cheese does contain salt, so don’t give your dog too much of it.
Remember, dogs can’t eat too much salt. If they eat a lot of salt, they are at risk of sodium poisoning which could give them high blood pressure and kidney problems.
In addition to salt toxicity, the high-fat content of cheese could lead to weight gain. But that’s only if your dog eats a large amount of cheese regularly.
Is Parmesan Cheese Good For Dogs
There are a lot of health benefits of parmesan cheese, especially if you give it to your dog as an occasional treat.
Parmesan cheese is a fantastic source of essential fatty acids, which is great for building muscles. It’s also a good source of vitamin A and B-complex vitamins for natural energy.
As a rare treat, healthy dogs can enjoy the health benefits of this nutty cheese.
The low lactose content makes it a good choice lactose sensitive dogs. So, if your dog experiences digestive issues after drinking cow’s milk, hard cheese might be a better choice.

Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese Rind
Even though it’s non-toxic, parmesan cheese rind could give your dog digestive upset.
Since they are more difficult to digest, parmesan cheese rinds could cause digestive issues in some dogs.
Food With Parmesan Cheese For Dogs
It’s a good idea to control how much salty food your dog eats. The following types of food are made with parmesan cheese, but they have high sodium, so they could contribute to health conditions or lead to kidney disease. It’s best to keep the following types of food away from your dog.
- Parmesan Crisps
- Parmesan Goldfish
- Kraft Parmesan Cheese
- Powdered Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan Cheese For Dogs
Since it is a good source of protein and has less lactose than cow’s milk, how do you share parmesan cheese with your pet? First, make sure you don’t give them too much sodium throughout the day.
If you know that your dog didn’t eat any other salty foods, you can sprinkle parmesan cheese on dog food as a way to give it more flavor (and nutrients).
The best way to do this is to sprinkle about a tablespoon or so on a regular serving of dog food.
What Happens If A Dog Eats Parmesan Cheese
This depends on whether your dog is lactose intolerant and how much parmesan cheese they ate. More than likely, they will be ok. They might have gas or tummy troubles, but they will be just fine.
Due to the high salt content, make sure you give them plenty of water and trips outside. If your dog is acting really sick, contact your dog’s veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to human foods, the best option is to give them a little bit at a time. Parmesan cheese can be a fantastic sometimes treat. Dogs love grated parmesan cheese on their food. Just be careful with how much salt they eat.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more dairy foods dogs can eat and others they should stay away from:
- Can Dogs Eat Brie Cheese
- Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake
- Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese
- Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese
- Can Dogs Eat Feta Cheese
- Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream
- Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream
Find lots of articles on what dogs can and can’t eat on Spoiled Hounds!
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Great article and good to know Parmesan cheese is safe for my pup. Can give him my leftover spaghetti which he loves.